You’ve probably heard people talk about guardian angels ever since you were a kid.

But guardian angels aren’t just a comforting bedtime story for tots—they're very real forces that can help you navigate this earthly adventure your soul signed up for and live at your fullest potential. Think of them as divine life coaches.

1. Learn their names.

Go to a quiet room and shut the door to block out other people's energy. Sit still, close your eyes, calm your mind, and ask your higher self for the name of one of your guardian angels. The name will then be placed in your head.

If no name comes, it might be that your guardian angels are inviting you to name them yourself. Pick names that make you feel cherished and protected every time you think of them. You’ll know you’ve come up with a good one if thinking of it or saying it aloud makes you feel warm and peaceful, gives you chills, or brings a smile to your face.

Write down the names of your guardian angels and call them by name when you ask them for comfort or guidance. Using your guardian angels’ names should help you stay more connected to them and make them seem more real to you.

2. Ask them to send you a sign.

Angels love to send you guidance that can improve your life as well as simple reminders of their loving, healing presence. You can ask your guardian angels to send you a sign either by writing this request in your journal, through a more formal prayer, or by briefly meditating on the idea. Then, for the next week, keep your eyes—your physical eyes and your metaphysical third eye—peeled for a sign from your guardian angels.

This could come in the form of a prophetic dream, an unexpected romantic or business opportunity, a new relationship, or a refreshed perspective on a recurring situation.

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3. Dedicate a song to them.

Music isn’t something physical you can nail down and touch—it travels in the ether, permeating your senses and calling forth your soul. It can elicit strong emotional responses in people, and angels will often use it to reach you. Sometimes the message lives in your association with the song or artist, and other times the message is in the lyrics.

When you dedicate a song to your guardian angels, this song becomes their calling card. It will play on the radio whenever your angels want to remind you of their constant presence. You should pick a song that makes you feel comforted, safe, and loved. Mine is Chrissie Hynde’s “I’ll Stand by You,” and I think the lyrics perfectly describe a guardian angel’s love and devotion.

4. Write them a letter.

Start the letter with “Dear Guardian Angels,” and then write about something that is weighing heavily on your heart: a situation you’re unsure how to handle, a big decision you have to make, or a relationship that’s bothering you. Get your emotions out on the page. Your guardian angels know everything about you, so they are already aware of this situation, but by sharing it with them in your journal, you are using your free will to ask them for help.

Go ahead and end by saying, “Guardian Angels, please help me with this in any way you can.” Then watch for their guidance. It could come as insightful thoughts about how to handle the matter; intuitive guidance like gut instincts, strong knowings, visions, or an angel’s voice in your mind; or new opportunities and people suddenly entering your life who were sent by your angels. When this guidance comes, be sure to go back to your journal and record it, or simply tell your angels “thank you” in your thoughts.